Just like adults, students of all ages can experience a range of emotions when the school year begins.

Going back to school can be a time of excitement as students look forward to being with their friends and all the activities and opportunities that school brings. It can be a time of sadness, knowing that the freedom of summer has come to an end. And it can be a time of anxiety, wondering, “Will I fit in? Will I make new friends? Will I like my teachers? Will I be successful?”

Kids face a lot of pressure, whether it comes from their peers, their parents, or their own expectations of themselves. That’s why it is so important to continue to talk with your kids about alcohol, marijuana and other drug use.

Parents are the most powerful influence in their child’s life. That’s why a new ad campaign asks parents across Washington State to talk with their kids about the risks of marijuana use. The campaign uses banner ads on websites and Facebook to pose simple, real-life questions and scenarios that parents could face with their teenagers.

Questions include:

“Your teen asks why marijuana is legal for you, but not him. And you say?”

“Your teen asks how marijuana can be harmful if it’s also a medicine. Your answer?”

“Your teen comes home and you smell marijuana. Now what?”

“My teen would never smoke marijuana. But would she eat it in a brownie?”

Summer vacation is here, which means teens will be spending more time out and about doing fun things with friends. Summertime can also mean less supervision, and a greater chance your teen will have access to alcohol, marijuana or other drugs.

When teens use alcohol, marijuana or other drugs, they can become impaired more quickly than someone who is over 21. Any impairment can lead to poor choices -- such as swimming, boating or driving under the influence, and tragic consequences -- such as drowning and vehicle crashes.

It's important to know that parents matter, even when children reach their teens.Research shows that parents, not peers, have the most influence on a teen’s decisions about alcohol, marijuana and other drug use. The following are proven ways to help... read more